Gas generator

ABSTRACT

A gas generator for both upward and downward gasification, comprises a housing defining a combustion space, a cinder bath space below the combustion space and a space below the cinder bath space, the space below the cinder bath space being in communication with the combustion space; a main pipe leading upwards to the combustion space, the main pipe having an air inlet and a gas outlet above the air inlet, the gas outlet, when open, opening into the space below the cinder bath space; apparatus for opening and closing the air inlet and the gas outlet; and a serpentine passageway arranged around the housing and in communication with the space below the cinder bath space. In operation, the gas outlet is closed and the air during downward gasification inlet is open to allow air to be drawn by suction through the air inlet and up the main pipe into the combustion space, and gas generated in the combustion space flows into the space below the cinder bath space and thence through the serpentine passageway. During upward gasification, the gas outlet is open and the air inlet is closed and air is introduced into the combustion space and the cinder bath space, gas generated in the combustion space flowing down the main pipe and through the gas outlet into the space below the cinder bath space and thence through the serpentine passageway.

United States Patent 11 1 Wagner May6, 1975 1 i GAS GENERATOR [76] Inventor: Johann Wagner, Sandstrasse NV.

8500 Nurnberg, Germany 22 Filed: Oct.9, 1973 m1 Appl No.:404,7 38

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 9, I972 Germany 2249444 [52] US. Cl. 48/76; 48/77; 48/82; 48/1 I l [51] Int. Cl. Cl0j 3/68 [58] Field of Search 48/77, 82, 83, H11, 111,

48/6l, 62,89. 100,101,113, 123, 76; 23/281, llO/ll; 202/120, 121, I24, I25, 126

[56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 748,747 I()/ I938 Germany 152,573 2/1938 Austria Primary E.taminerS. Leon Bashore Assistant Examiner-Peter F. Kratz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Holman & Stern [57] ABSTRACT A gas generator for both upward and downward gasification, comprises a housing defining a combustion space, a cinder bath space below the combustion space and a space below the cinder bath space, the space below the cinder bath space being in communication with the combustion space; a main pipe leading upwards to the combustion space, the main pipe having an air inlet and a gas outlet above the air inlet, the gas outlet, when open, opening into the space below the cinder bath space; apparatus for opening and closing the air inlet and the gas outlet; and a serpentine passageway arranged around the housing and in communication with the space below the cinder bath space. in operation, the gas outlet is closed and the air during downward gasification inlet is open to allow air to be drawn by suction through the air inlet and up the main pipe into the combustion space, and gas generated in the combustion space flows into the space below the cinder bath space and thence through the serpentine passageway. During upward gasification, the gas outlet is open and the air inlet is closed and air is introduced into the combustion space and the cinder bath space, gas generated in the combustion space flowing down the main pipe and through the gas outlet into the space below the cinder bath space and thence through the serpentine passageway.

8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures GAS GENERATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a gas generator.

A known gas generator comprises a housing in which are defined a cinder bath space. a combustion space above the cinder bath space. and another space below the cinder bath space. A main pipe leads upwards to the combustion space. An air intake pipe is provided at the lower end of the main pipe. A serpentine passageway is arranged around the housing. In operation of the generator, during downward gasification. air is drawn into the air intake pipe by suction and the gas generated flows from the combustion space. through the space below the cinder bath space and into the serpentine passageway. A known gas generator of this nature German Patent specification 748.747) is suitable only for downward gasification. It is desirable however to operate with upward gasification as well in particular circumstances, because downward gasification tends to produce clogging up with different fuels because the fuels become tightly packed by suction. so that it becomes necessary to loosen these fuels and these fuels may be loosened by upward gasification.

It is known (Austrian Patent specification 152.573) to move a main pipe of a gas generator, which serves as an air feed, by means of a lever. thereby to control the metered airflow. It is also known (Abstracts from German patent applications." LXI. I949, page 358, para. 6) to arrange a gas passageway as an annular space in undulant form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to devise a gas generator which is suitable for both downward and upward gasifieation.

The invention provides a gas generator of the kind defined in the foregoing. which is characterised in that nozzles lead from the wall into the combustion space and into the cinder bath space. and that for the purpose of upward gasification. the main pipe which then carries gas comprises an open discharge stub which leads into the space below the cinder bath space and is closablc for downward gasification. said main pipe also being elosable below the discharge stub.

The main pipe is closed off at the bottom and the discharge stub is opened. for the purpose of upward gasification. A flow of air or gas can then travel upwards from the nozzles. through the combustion space. through the main pipe and into the serpentine passageway.

Upon topping up with fuel. the air feeds are throttled down and the air inducted for downward gasification is drawn by suction through the trap opening. thereby inhibiting the upward discharge of smoke. The air feed is returned to normal again by closure by means of a lid or cover.

Only complementary inducted air passes into the combustion space through the air suction pipe and main pipe. in the case ofdownward gasii'tcation. Il'clogging by suction occurs during downward gasil'ication and a negative pressure occurs in the incandescent section. the generator is switched over to upward gasitication. thereby loosening the cinder bath and the superjacent incandescent material.

The invention also specifies that the adjacently situ atcd gas passages are of different length in vertical diin l rection and are so arranged that the gas passages are situated side-by-side only at the level of the incandescent section of the combustion space and of the cinder bath space. and project beyond these in upward and downward directions. The passages provide a resistance to flue dust and heavy unprocessed gas products. in such manner that upon emerging from the passages, the gas need not undergo any complementary purification nor any water separation.

In the case of a gas generator or producer. according to the invention. coal should be broken up to apple size, any grit or dust produced being processed as well. This gas generator is also suitable for all combustible wastes available. For example. it is possible to mix decaying wood, wood shavings, wood planing dust. sawdust. peat litter, coal dust. waste oil from automobile and machinery repair workshops and analogous waste refuse with fuels of higher grade. It is also possible to admix comminuted unusable tyres. The different flash points of a fuel mixture are immaterial. Combustible gas is always produced without smoke. In its existing size, the gas generator is adequate for smaller under takings and is particularly appropriate for the wood industry. It supplies gas engines or gas turbines. generates hot water and steam. as well as bottled gas for domestic use and for vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A gas generator embodying the invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings, wherein FIG. I shows a vertical crosssection through the gas generator;

FIG. 2 shows a development of the passages of the generator in FIG. 1:

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section heights through the gas generator;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the passages;

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section through an air feed nozzle;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section through the gas generator. showing the connection of air feed nozzles to a common air feed pipe;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section through an air suction valve; and

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through an alternative air suction valve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The gas generator shown in the drawings comprise an upright cylindrical housing 59 having a top 2 and a base 54 supported on four feet 52. The interior of the hous ing 59 is divided into three spaces. namely a combustion space 53 for receiving fuel. a cinder bath or gas processing space 25 below the combustion space and another space below the cinder bath space. A pipe 8 and a main pipe 37 are positioned coaxially in the housing. the main pipe leading upwards to the combustion space.

As shown in FIG. I. the top 2 is seated on a U-section ring it hich forms a seal between the top 2 and the housing. The top 2 has a charging aperture for charging fuel into the housing. The charging aperture is as small as possible.

taken at different The charging aperture is closable by a cover 3. The pipe 8 is rotatably attached to a guiding beam 5. The pipe 8 rotates relative to the beam 5 during vibratory displacements. On the pipe 8 are attached two hooks 4.

The hooks 4 are for receiving a traction cable for hoisting the under-part as a whole for general cleaning operation. Such a cleaning operation is required infrequently. To carry out such a cleaning operation. the top 2 should be taken off together with the guiding beam 5. Below the charging aperture are mounted two metal gate panels 6 which are displaceable by means of gate levers 7 situated diametrically opposite each other. The gate panels 6 may be omitted if the gas generator is large. provided that the charging aperture is of an appropriately small size. When the generator is charged, the gate panels 6 are closed initially and are opened after the charging aperture has been closed again by the cover 3.

The pipe 8 is closed at its upper end by a removable terminal screw 9. The screw 9 is removed when it is desired to Clean the pipe 8 throughout its length. Gas passages l0 (sec FIGS. 1 and 2), are situated around the exterior of the housing.

Three openings 1] in the form of slots, which measure approximately 10 X 4 ems, are formed in the pipe 37 adjacent its upper end.

The space 53 is for receiving fuel. The space is for receiving a cinder bath and supcrjacent glowing material.

The lower end portion of the pipe 8 is enlarged to form a protective casing 12 which surrounds the upper end portion of the main pipe 37. The casing i2 is prevented from being deformed by heat by means of iron rods attached to and extending between the casing and the pipe 37. The casing 12 prevents fuel entering the pipe 37 through the openings 1].

Upper and lower nozzles 62 lead into the space 53 and the space 25 respectively. One of the nozzles is shown in detail in FIG. 5. Each nozzle comprises a nozzle tube 13, a nozzle head 13a, a nut 14, a sealing washer associated with the nut and another tube 15. Screws 16 of a diameter of approximately 10 cms are incorporated at the upper and lower extremities of the gas passages 10, so that the gas passages may be freed of flue dust and deposits.

A stabilising space 17 (see FIG. 2.) acts as a heat accumulator and is situated adjacent the nozzles 62. A suction stub 21 surrounds the pipe 37 and a protective case 19 is attached to the stub 21 above the stub 21. A

fuel receiver [8 is joined to the protective case I) and reinforced by iron rings or hoops 18a. The protective case 19 allows gas and flue dust only to pass into the suction stub. lron rods I911 prevent the case [9 being deformed. A point of entry 20 into the suction stub 21 is incorporated. lron rods 2lu which are attached to and extend between the main pipe 37 and the suction stub. The rods 2lu prevent the suction stub being dcformed. The fuel receiver 18 may alternatively be rcfcrrcd to as an inclined fuel-supporting platform.

Pivotablc drivers 22 which have ample play in the joints to remain mouiblc at rcdhcat. are mounted on the fuel rccci\cr 18. The drivers 22 serve for cleaning and loosening. During \ibratory displacements. a \ihrating or jarring lever 42 is turned towards the right. the drivers not being swung over completely. to thereby loosen the cinder bath and the superiaccnt glowing material. Cinders or slag granules. depending on the fuel. may occasionally be removed through cleaning ports 23, each closable by a closure 24. To this end, a double ratchet is moved over to the left by means of the lever 42 and the lever 42 is turned further towards the left. thereby raising the drivers until the cleaning operation has been concluded.

The gas passes to the point of entry 20 through the space 25, after which the gas is heated up by the cinder bath bottom 26. A slide plate 27 is connected to the sidewall of the cinder bath bottom 26 by, for example six coupling elements 28. Approximately three screws 29 are situated on the sidewall of the cinder bottom 26 for cleaning operations when the cinder bath bottom is extracted.

A cinder and gas discharge funnel 30 is located below the slide plate 27. A connector 31 for a pressure switch is provided. A charging compartment 32 is filled with cinders after each fitting-up operation and thus prevents a direct downward gas draught. The charging compartment 32 is downwardly terminated by an angled" ring 33. The gas passes into the passages 10 through a passage 34 having, for example a crosssectional size of 8 X l6 cms.

A cinder repository 35 is situated at the bottom of the housing, which is accessible through a cleaning port 36 having a closure. The gas flow should be interrupted during the dc-ashing operation, if a gate or lock arrangement is not incorporated. The pipe 37 has an enlarged extension 38 at its lower end. The extension 38 receives a rotatable pipe insert 46.

A pipe reinforcement 39 comprising a supporting ex tension is mounted on the enlarged extension 38. A bearing ring 40 whereon the pipe reinforcement 39 rotates is connected to a base 54 which is prevented from sagging by means of four intersecting base reinforcements 4] with a ring at the middle. The lever 42 serves the purpose of operating the clockwise and anticlockwise ratchet (double ratchet) and is secured by means of an anchoring screw 43. An unscrewable air suction pipe 44 which has a flap closure 44a adjustable by means of a screw, is arranged at the bottom of the extension 38. The flap closure may be omitted if an electromagnetic closure is incorporated. as described below with reference to FIG. 7.

A discharge stub. or stationary closure member. 45 on the extension 38 for the gas and flue dust appearing in the cinder repository 35 during upward gasification covers half ofthe enlarged extension 38 as indicated by arrow 45a. The pipe insert 46 is also halfcovercd at the top by a cover 47. The pipe insert 46 is equipped with a crank 48 receiving a guiding rod 49 which is conncctcd to a flap 4%.

FIG. I shows the gas generator in the condition it is in when upward gasilication is being carried out. If the air suction pipe 44 is turned towards the right. the crank 48 acting through the guiding rod 49 closes the flap 49a and the half-cover 47 passes under the other half-cover as indicated by arrow 45a. This opens an upward airpath for downward gasifcation. The switching operation may occur automatically by means of a prcssure switch.

A box nut 50. associaicd with a scaling washer if approprintc. holds the pipe insert 46 and should be taken off upon dismantling the principal element. The pipe insert 46 comprises a threaded reinforcement 51. The gas generator is supported on the four feet 52.

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of the gas passages I0. Although the individual gas passages are straight, together the gas passages constitute a serpentine gas passageway. Charging chambers 55 act as heat accumulators against temperature drop in the passages. Each charging chamber 55 is followed by a respective post-processing chamber 56. Only a part of the screws 16 is illustrated. The charging chambers 55 are situated at the level of the nozzles 13 for constant heating purposes. Excessive temperatures as well as inadequate temperatures may result in unfavourable gas conversion. In this case, a temperature regulator may act on the air suction valves as shown in FIG. 7, either by throttling or by switching off some of the valves. A gas inlet 57a is situated at the beginning of the passages 10 and a gas outlet 57b is situated at the end of the passages. The diameter of the passages diminishes from the left towards the right. The diameter amounts to 16 ems e.g. for the first three passages, and to 15, l4, l3, I2. I I and It) ems for the three passages which follow on next in each case.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gas generator comprises the following parts, (listed from the inside to the outside): The pipe 37, the pipe insert 46, the extension 38, the protective casing 12 and the suction stub 21, the protective case I), the chute plate 27, the ring 33, the cage rim 58 which forms the charging space 32 together with the housing 5), the outer side 60 of the passages and a heat-protection device M.

The air feed nozzle, one of which is shown actual size in FIG. 5, each comprise the nozzle tube 13 with a threaded reinforcement, the nozzle head 13a of material resistant to high temperature, eg steatite, the box nut 14 with a sealing washer and the pipe 15 for the nozzle seat, which is welded at both extremities to other parts of the gas generator. To prevent interference, and even at the cost of uneven distribution, the nozzles should be installed on the passage walls.

As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzles 62 which terminate in the spaces and 53 at one extremity and in a common air feed pipe 63 at the other extremity, are circularly arranged around the housing. The air feed pipe encircles the housing and is radially spaced at a distance 64 from the latter. An air feed pipe 63 is incorporated for the upper nozzles opening into the space 53 as well as for the lower nozzles opening into the space 25. FIG. 6 also shows cleaning ports 65 with inspection windows which allow of a check on the inside of the nozzles.

As shown in FIG. 7, the air suction pipe 44 is equipped with a llap closure 44a (check valve). Mag nctic poles 66 with connccting leads are incorporated to hold the llnp closurc 4411 closed. lhc air suction \alvc shown in FIG. 8 is appropriatc for special cases. 'lhc suction pipe 44 is equipped with two scrcwthreads. ()nc ol thcsc has screwed on to it a cap nut with a plastic bull \alvc 67. lhc other thread has screwed on to it a cap nut comprising an inspection window 68. A separating irc mesh 6) scncs to retain the ball valve 67.

Ihc air suction \abc shown in FIG, 7 is the most appropriate. lhc noz/lc combination shown in FIG. 6 ma} bc cschcwcd if each noz/lc is equipped with this \nb c A chcck on incandcsccncc is performed by pushing the llap back with one hand by means of a rod. and by holding a mirror obliquely up to thc opening with thc otlicr hand. ll'thc inncr noxzlc extremity is plugged.

6 the slag deposit is pushed through by means of an iron bar. This occurs infrequently however.

In operation of the generator, during downward gasification, the inlet stub 45 is closed by means of the flap 49a and the air suction pipe 44 is opened by means of the flap closure 44a. The cover 47 is pushed aside to clear the airpath. Air flows through the air suction pipe 44, the pipe 37 and the aperture ll into the space 53. Air also flows into the space 53 through the upper nozzles 62. The gas being produced in the space 53 passes into the space 25. Air may also be fed into the space 25 through the lower nozzles 62. The gas passes from the space 25, through the point of entry 20 and into the space below the chute plate 27. From the latter, the gas flows through the passage 34 into the passages 10.

In operation of the generator, during upward gasifi cation, the discharge stub 45 is open and the air suction pipe 44 is closed. Air enters only through the upper nozzles and lower nozzles 62. The cover 47 is closed. The gas present in the space 53 flows through the apertures 11. the main pipe 37 and the discharge stub 45 into the cinder repository chamber 35, and from the latter into the passage 34. The gas present in the space 25 is partially impelled into the space 53 and the rest passes through the point of entry 20 into the space below the chute plate 27 and from the latter into the passage 34.

As a modification of the design of the passages 10 shown in FIG. 2, the charging chambers 55 which form a stabilising space may also be so devised that a serpen tine horizontal passage is incorporated between each two adjacent post-processing chambers 56. The gas then flows through a post-processing chamber in the vertical direction and from the latter passes into one of the serpentine horizontal passages, through which it flows, to return to a post-processing chamber again. In the case of downward gasification, it is essential that a heating action on the gas should occur in the area of the incandescent section and of the cinder bath space.

I claim:

1. A gas generator for both upward and downward gasifieation, comprising: a housing defining a combustion space, a cinder bath space below the combustion space, and a zone formed by a space in the housing below the cinder bath space, the space below the cinder bath space being arranged in communication with the combustion space; nozzles arranged for feeding air into the combustion space and the cinder bath space; a vertical main pipe in communication with the combustion space, the main pipe having an air inlet and a gas outlet above the air inlet, the gas outlet, when open, opening into the space below the cinder bath space; means for opening and closing the air inlet; means for opening and closing the gas outlet, and means defining a serpentine passageway arranged around the housing and in communication with the space below the cinder bath space; the above gas generator permitting downward and upward gasilication. the gas outlet being closed and the air inlet open during downward gasilication to allow air to be drawn by suction through the air inlet and up the main pipe into the combustion space and gas generated in the combustion space flowing into the space below the cinder bath space and thence through the serpentine passageway, and the gas outlet being o en and the air inlet closed during upward gasilication and air introduced into the combustion space and the cinder bath space. gas generated in the combustion space flowing down the main pipe and through the gas outlet into the space below the cinder bath space and thence through the serpentine passageway.

2. A gas generator as claimed in claim I. wherein means for rotating the vertical pipe is provided and the means for opening and closing the air inlet comprises a closure member carried by the lower end of the main pipe, which closure member cooperates with a stationary closure member, so that in one angular position of the main pipe the air inlet is open and in another angular position of the main pipe the air inlet is closed.

3. A gas generator as claimed in claim I, wherein the means for opening and closing the air inlet is operatively connected to the means for opening and closing the gas outlet so that when the gas outlet is open the air inlet is closed and when the gas inlet is closed the air inlet is open.

4. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1. wherein the means for opening and closing the air inlet comprises a half-cover and an electromagnetically controlled flap.

5. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein some of the nozzles open into the combustion space above and adjacent a fuel-supporting platform and the other nozzles open into the cinder bath space below the platform.

6. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1. wherein the nozzles pass through gas passages constituting said serpentine passageway.

7. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein pivotable members are mounted on a fuel supporting platform forming the bottom of the combustion space and rigidly connected to the main pipe. the main pipe being rotatable.

8. A gas generator as claimed in claim I, wherein the gas passageway is constituted by the serpentine passages some of which extend upwardly from a region surrounding the lower portion of the combustion space and the upper portion of the cinder bath space and some of which project downwardly from that region the passages projecting upwardly having a different vertical extent to those projecting downwardly. 

1. A GAS GENERATOR FOR BOTH UPWARD AND DOWNWARD GASIFICATION, COMPRISING: A HOUSING DEFINING A COMBUSTION SPACE, A CINDER BATH SPACE BELOW THE COMBUSTION SPACE, AND A ZONE FORMED BY A SPACE IN THE HOUSING BELOW THE CINDER BATH SPACE, THE SPACE BELOW THE CINDER BATH SPACE BEING ARRANGED IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMBUSTION SPACE, NOZZLES ARRANGED FOR FEEDING AIR INTO THE COMBUSTION SPACE AND THE CINDER BATH SPACE, A VERTICAL MAIN PIPE IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMBUSTION SPACE, THE MAIN PIPE HAVING AN AIR INLET AND A GAS OUTLET ABOVE THE AIR INLET, THE GAS OUTLET, WHEN OPEN, OPENING INTO THE SPACE BELOW THE CINDER BATH SPACE, MEANS FOR OPENING AND CLOSING THE AIR INLET, MEANS FOR OPENING AND CLOSING THE GAS OUTLET, AND MEANS DEFINING A SERPENTINE PASSAGEWAY ARRANGED AROUND THE HOUSING AND IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE SPACE BELOW THE CINDER BATH SPACE, THE ABOVE GAS GENERATOR PERMITTING DOWNWARD AND UPWARD GASIFICATION, THE GAS OUTLET BEING CLOSED AND THE AIR INLET OPEN DURING DOWNWARD GASIFICATION TO ALLOW AIR TO BE DRAWN BY SUCTION THROUGH THE AIR INLET AND UP THE MAIN PIPE INTO THE COMBUSTION SPACE AND GAS GENERATED IN THE COMBUSTION SPACE FLOWING INTO THE SPACE BELOW THE CINDER BATH SPACE AND THENCE THROUGH THE SERPENTINE PASSAGEWAY, AND THE GAS OUTLET BEING OPEN AND THE AIR INLET CLOSED DURING UPWARD GASIFICATION AND AIR INTRODUCED INTO THE COMBUSTION SPACE AND THE CINDER BATH SPACE, GAS GENERATED IN THE COMBUSTION SPACE FLOWWING DOWN THE MAIN PIPE AND THROUGH THE GAS OUTLET INTO THE SPACE BELOW THE CINDER BATH SPACE AND THENCE THROUGH THE SERPENITINE PASSAGEWAY.
 2. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein means for rotating the vertical pipe is provided and the means for opening and closing the air inlet comprises a closure member carried by the lower end of the main pipe, which closure member cooperates with a stationary closure member, so that in one angular position of the main pipe the air inlet is open and in another angular position of the main pipe the air inlet is closed.
 3. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for opening and closing the air inlet is operatively connected to the means for opening and closing the gas outlet so that when the gas outlet is open the air inlet is closed and when the gas inlet is closed the air inlet is open.
 4. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for opening and closing the air inlet comprises a half-cover and an electromagnetically controlled flap.
 5. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein some of the nozzles open into the combustion space above and adjacent a fuel-supporting platform and the other nozzles open into the cinder bath space below the platform.
 6. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzles pass through gas passages constituting said serpentine passageway.
 7. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein pivotable members are mounted on a fuel supporting platform forming the bottom of the combustion space and rigidly connected to the main pipe, the main pipe being rotatable.
 8. A gas generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas passageway is constituted by the serpentine passages some of which extend upwardly from a region surrounding the lower portion of the combustion space and the upper portion of the cinder bath space and some of which project downwardly from that region, the passages projecting upwardly having a different vertical extent to those projecting downwardly. 